THE rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes redness and sensitivity on the face and often, may require adjustments to self-care routines and skincare.
According to the website of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, the disease normally occurs in adults between 30 and 50 years old and it is more common in women . However, when it occurs in men, its symptoms tend to be more severe and develop into rhinophyma, characterized by an increase in the size of the nose caused by thickening and dilation of follicles. It mainly affects people with white or lighter skin tones.
Because many different factors can cause rosacea, treating it and minimizing symptoms can be difficult. Genetic predisposition, changes in the immune system, vascular dysfunction, and even microorganisms such as Demodex folliculorum and Helicobacter pylori may be causative agents, as pointed out by doctor Isabel Martinez, who has an MBA in Cosmetology and studied laser application at Harvard.
Flare-ups, in turn, can be triggered by factors ranging from sun exposure to the consumption of hot foods and drinks. Isabel explains that when her patients report typical rosacea redness, she usually asks them to write down everything they did in the 24 hours before the flare-up was noticed by them.
“One tip I always give to patients is self-awareness. Keep a pocket notebook to write down your flashing attacks and, at that moment, remember the last 24 hours, describing what you ate, what you were exposed to, and your feelings,” explained the dermatologist.
Want to understand more about rosacea? Isabel Martinez explained to CNN What are the main symptoms, what can trigger flare-ups, how to treat redness and what adjustments should be made to your skincare routine. See below:
Symptoms of rosacea
- Persistent redness in the center of the face (cheeks, chin, nose and forehead) and occasionally the eyes;
- Burning or stinging sensation;
- Appearance of small dilated blood vessels;
- Papules and pustules (similar to acne, but without blackheads);
- Thickening of the skin, especially on the nose, in severe cases.
What can trigger a rosacea flare-up?
- Sun exposure;
- Emotional stress;
- Extreme temperature variations (heat or cold);
- Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine;
- Hot or spicy foods and drinks;
- Intense exercise;
- Irritating skincare products.
Rosacea treatment
Treatment for rosacea flare-ups may involve the administration of topical medications, which serve to reduce inflammation and control microbial proliferation. According to Isabel Martinez, doctors may also prescribe oral antibiotics to aid in this process.
Constant redness can also be alleviated with the use of laser, intense pulsed light and vasoconstrictors.
What adjustments should be made to the skincare routine of those with rosacea?
- Use soap-free cleansers that respect the skin’s pH;
- Keep your skin hydrated with hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products;
- Applying physical sunscreen, which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; chemical sunscreens can irritate the skin;
- Avoid aggressive physical exfoliants, which can worsen redness.
See seven tips for taking care of your skin and avoiding dryness in winter
This content was originally published in Rosacea: find out what it is and how to adjust your care routine to treat the disease on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
I am an experienced journalist and writer with a career in the news industry. My focus is on covering Top News stories for World Stock Market, where I provide comprehensive analysis and commentary on markets around the world. I have expertise in writing both long-form articles and shorter pieces that deliver timely, relevant updates to readers.
